Album review: BRYAN COLE – Sands Of Time

Bryan Cole is a new name in melodic rock circles and hopefully this debut release will establish him as a name to watch out for from now on. Bryan sings and plays all the instruments on here, bar bass with is handled by Mike Brignardello of Giant fame.

Interestingly the album features a number of covers, including three from Price Of Lions, which of course are penned by Jim Peterik. Pick of these is ‘What Kind Of Fool’ which matches the orginal and has a little more crunch in the guitar parts. Be interesting to hear a project with Bryan Cole hooking up with Jim Peterik.

The music is classic melodic rock in sound and style, as done by the likes of the aforementioned Pride Of Lions, Survivor and Giant. ‘Burning With A Reason’ is a fine example of this, a foot stomping hard rocker (and another one from the pen of Jim Peterik!). The two Brett Walker songs on here do justice to the originals, with ‘Hard To Find An Easy Way’ transporting the listener back to the glory days of melodic rock back in the 80′s.

Bryan Cole has a wonderfully melodic vocal, ideally suited to this type of music and the album comes highly recommended. A must have for melodic rock fans everywhere. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

We asked Bryan a few questions about the album and his future plans...

How did you first get into music?

I started singing and playing guitar at age five. At age seven I performed my very first show in front of ten thousand people. I performed in many local bands in and around my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA until landing a gig as a singer for Reb Beach’s solo band. It was through Reb that I met some great people in the business and did shows opening for Ted Nugent, Eddie Money, Kip Winger, Quiet Riot and more. That pretty much started it all.

How did you hook up with Melodic Rock Records?

I started chatting briefly with Andrew McNeice on Facebook and he expressed interest in hearing some rough mixes. I really loved what I was reading about MRR. I sent him a few songs and he offered me a record deal. I gotta tell you, Andrew is a rare breed among record execs. He truly loves music and cares deeply for the artists he signs. I’m proud and honored to work for him. He’s a great guy!

‘Sands Of Time’ is a great selection of melodic rock tunes. How did choose the songs to cover and what for you makes a classic melodic rock song?

Thank you so much! Choosing the songs for this album was not an easy task. I probably went through 200 songs before deciding, which songs would make the record. I must say that working with Jim Peterik was a pleasure! He’s an amazing songwriter and the process of choosing his songs were pretty simple. I loved the melodies and the lyrics. Musically, I wanted to add my style to them. Another easy choice was the Joie Scott/Larry King song Nothing Matters. I loved that song from the moment I heard it. To answer the second part of your question, a song has to really move me, in order for me to really want to attempt to put my heart and soul into it. There’s just something inside me that says “that’s the one!”

Have you been pleased with the reviews and feedback to date?

Absolutely! I’m very humbled by it!

For your next album will you be looking to do more of your own songs? In an ideal world any songwriters you’d love to work with and why?

Yes absolutely! I love writing and I feel that having two songs on Sands Of Time, really built my confidence level as a songwriter, so yes I plan on writing and co-writing on a much larger scale for the next record. There are many writers I would love to work with. First and foremost, many of the writers from the first record. I have great respect for them all! Other than those writers, I would love to work with Mark Spiro, John Waite and Jonathan Cain. So many of the songs that influenced me growing up were written by those guys, hey Mark, John and Jon….If you’re reading this….CALL ME! LOL!

What have you got planned for 2017 and beyond music wise?

Well I’ve already begun writing and working on the next record. I hope to get my live band together and start touring to support the Sands Of Time album.

Message for your fans…

I really want to thank fans all over the world for embracing my music the way they have. I’m so humbled by it. All of the positive messages I receive daily, truly mean the world to me and I appreciate each and every one of you! I look forward to touring your countries and cities in the new year and I hope you will continue to support my music. I love you all!

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Power Plays w/c 2 September (Mon-Fri)

BAD WOLVES Killing Me Slowly (Eleven Seven Music)
THE DEAD DAISIES Righteous Days (SPV)
DEEP DEEP WATER Something In The Water (indie)
MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST Sleeping With The Light On (Nuclear Blast)
GHOSTS OF MEN Crooked Back (Regent Street Records)
ANNIE HASLAM Blood And Water (indie)

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